Jenny Sullivan Sanford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program

Skin cancer remains the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with roughly one in five people developing it in their lifetime. MUSC Health's Jenny Sullivan Sanford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program is the only one of its kind in South Carolina. Our program, based on a multidisciplinary team approach, is committed to enhancing the care you receive for melanoma and other skin cancers.

We’re Here For You

At Hollings, we know a cancer diagnosis can be a life changing event. We are here to support you through your journey. Call 843-792-9300 and make an appointment. Experience what sets us apart.

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High Performing Hospital | University Medical Center | US News & World Report 2024-2025 | Cancer

In good hands

You know you're in good hands at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Here, you have access to the latest innovations in cancer treatment, including clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques, support services and survivorship planning. You can rest easy knowing we hold national rankings for cancer care and take a leadership role in cancer research and prevention.

The Hollings difference

Treatment and Support

Dr. Milton Armstrong talks with two nurses

Our team of melanoma and skin cancer specialists bring you the latest, state-of-the-art technology to properly diagnose and treat your skin cancer. Our treatment options available to you include:

Early Diagnosis & Staging

Cancer resection surgery
Sentinel lymph node biopsy – A minimally invasive technique to identify microscopic lymph node disease and direct further necessary therapy.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

This technique is used to minimize the amount of normal tissue excised at surgery while maximizing chances for clear margins. The technique is especially useful in treating pre-cancerous skin lesions, such as melanoma in-situ in the head and neck region.

T-VEC (Imlygic)

T-VEC (Imlygic) is a treatment which uses a virus to infect and kill cancer cells while avoiding healthy cells. This FDA-approved medication is for the treatment of advanced melanoma. T-VEC is injected directly into melanoma tumors to shrink or kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

State-of-the-art radiation therapy, including the TrueBeam STx, TomoTherapy^®Hi-Art^® Treatment System and Leksell Gamma Knife^® Perfexions™.
Brachytherapy for temporary radiation implants.

Refer a skin cancer patient

To refer a skin cancer patient to Hollings, please call patient referral coordinator Tabitha Miller at 843-985-0584.

Nurse Navigator Support

Our melanoma and skin cancer nurse navigator, Melanie Wilson, RN, BSN, OCN, will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have.

The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Thanks to advancements in treatment, all three types of skin cancer are usually treatable if they are caught early. To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, limit your exposure to the sun, wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and pick out the right type of sunscreen.

Skin cancer doesn’t just impact the elderly — it is becoming more common among younger patients, too. It is recommended that you receive routine annual skin screenings by a trained dermatologist. Depending on your family and personal history of skin cancer, more regular screenings may be necessary.

Dr. Jen Wang stands in front of shelves of equipment in her lab

Our renowned team of researchers and doctors are constantly looking for ways to improve treatments and outcomes for skin cancer patients. This is largely made possible thanks to research and clinical trials.

Some recent research projects include:

Finding ways to activate T-cells to fight melanoma and make treatments more effective.
Rolling out innovative therapies like T-VEC to successfully target tumor cells without harming normal cells.
Speeding up T-cell therapy to make the treatment more broadly accessible for cancer patients.

As South Carolina’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Hollings offers you clinical trials and treatments that aren’t available anywhere else in the state. These opportunities provide you with access to the latest medications, therapies, and surgical techniques that can improve your outcomes. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current melanoma and skin cancer clinical trials.

“ I said, ‘My goals are I want to live life to the fullest, and I want to see my grandchildren grow old.' And Dr. Sutton came over, and he patted me on the leg, and he said, ‘We’ve got this.’ ”

Carol Helton, melanoma survivor
Carol's story

“ I am so grateful to the Hollings Cancer Center. The level of care I received from the people working there – especially Dr. Kaczmar – has been life-changing. ”

Tim Buikema, melanoma survivor
Tim's story

“ Cancer can feel like it’s taking over your body, but I was determined that it wasn’t going to take over my mind. It is important to believe in yourself and just take it one day at time, but it’s hard. It’s a long journey. ”

Donna Rosa, melanoma survivor
Donna's story

Donna Rosa sits in a golf cart with her grandchild on her lap

Melanoma & Skin Cancer Care Locations

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Downtown

86 Jonathan Lucas Street

Charleston, SC 29425

Directions

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

View Details

Hematology Oncology Florence

Florence Medical Center

Medical Mall A

805 Pamplico Highway

Suite: 315

Florence, SC 29505

Directions

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

View Details

Our program, based on a multidisciplinary team approach, is committed to enhancing the care of every melanoma and skin cancer patient.

Meet the team

Latest Melanoma & Skin Cancer News

dermatologist Graciela De Jesus poses in the clinic hallway

Skin Cancer Clinic

Dermatologist Graciela De Jesus, M.D., works with Hollings Hereditary Cancer Clinic patients at risk of melanoma and skin cancer.

a woman with short blonde hair, red glasses and chunky necklaces pauses to smile at the camera over her client's head

Melanoma Aware

After melanoma surgery, hairdresser Carol Helton is spreading the word at her hair salon about staying on top of suspicious moles.

a smiling woman in white doctor coat stands in front of a semicircular machine with multiple horizontal bars resembling fluorescent light bulbs

Preventing Skin Cancer

With summer rapidly approaching, Dr. Joni Mazza offers tips on how you can protect yourself from sun damage.

Jenny Sullivan Sanford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program